South Dakota · United States
Cycling in Hill City
Best season: May–October
Hill City sits almost exactly mid-trail on the George S. Mickelson Trail, the 109-mile crushed-limestone rail-trail running from Deadwood to Edgemont through the granite heart of the Black Hills. Basing here means you can ride out-and-back in either direction — north toward tunnels and trestles, south toward Custer — on grades that rarely top 4%, with Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park minutes away for rest-day side trips. It suits families and casual riders as much as loaded tourers.
This is the easiest place on the trail to ride without bringing a bike. Black Hills Trailside Park Resort, a five-minute pedal from downtown, rents e-bikes right on the property (half day from $75), and its cabins and Mickelson Trail Suite put you steps from the trail. Mickelson Trail Lodging, beside the trail just outside town, arranges guest rentals through partner shops. In town, Rabbit Bicycles — the only bike shop physically on the trail — rents hybrids, fat bikes, e-bikes, and trailers, and its Black Hills shuttle vans make point-to-point days easy. Down the corridor in Custer, Black Hills Power Bikes bundles helmet, lock, and trail pass into every rental.
Guided options run from a private Viator day tour through the trail’s tunnel section to Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers’ five-day, all-inclusive Mickelson tour based in nearby Custer.
Every rider 12 and up needs a Mickelson Trail pass ($5/day) — some rentals include it, others don’t, so ask when you book. Prime season is May through October; summer afternoons can be hot and exposed on the old railbed, so start early and carry water.
Weather in Hill City
Live · NWSLoading current conditions…
Typical by month
avg high/low · 1991–2020 normals · HILL CITY- Jan 40° 10° 0.4"
- Feb 41° 10° 0.7"
- Mar 49° 19° 1.1"
- Apr 56° 26° 2.5"
- May 65° 37° 4.2"
- Jun 75° 45° 3.4"
- Jul 83° 51° 3.5"
- Aug 82° 48° 2.3"
- Sep 74° 38° 1.5"
- Oct 60° 28° 1.6"
- Nov 49° 18° 0.6"
- Dec 41° 10° 0.5"
Bike-friendly hotels
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Black Hills Trailside Park Resort
Cabins, an 8-person Mickelson Trail Suite, and campsites on the trail's edge a 5-minute ride from downtown Hill City, with e-bikes rented on the property by Trailside Bicycles (half day from $75, full day from $120).
Before you book: Confirm e-bike season, hours, and reservations, any lodging-guest discount, waiver and age limits, and note the $5/day Mickelson Trail pass is not included.
Bike program verified via source (2026-07-11)
Mickelson Trail Lodging
Year-round lodge and cabins beside the Mickelson Trail near mile 64.9 outside Hill City; the lodge advertises arranging guest bicycle rentals through partner outfitters Rabbit Bicycles and the local trail rental/shuttle services.
Before you book: Confirm whether the lodge arranges individual (not just group) rentals, partner rates and reservation lead time, and shuttle scheduling.
Bike program verified via source (2026-07-11)
Where to rent or borrow a bike
Black Hills Power Bikes
From $35 (3 hr) · waiver required
In Custer, right off the Mickelson Trail about 14 miles south of Hill City: e-bikes $70/3 hr or $100/day and Trek Verve hybrids $35/3 hr or $75/day, with helmet, lock, rack, and the Mickelson Trail daily pass included; waiver signed at check-in.
Call ahead: Confirm street address, phone, and seasonal hours; optional $20 damage insurance per rental.
Verified via source (2026-07-11)
Rabbit Bicycles
Rates by phone
The only bike shop located directly on the Mickelson Trail: hybrids, youth bikes, fat-tire bikes, e-bikes, a tandem, and trailers by the hour, day, or week, plus Black Hills shuttle vans with enclosed trailers and a repair shop.
Call ahead: Current rental rates aren't posted (a past review cited ~$44 half-day/$75 full-day) — confirm rates, waiver, and shuttle pricing at 605-574-4302.
Verified via source (2026-07-11)
Trailside Bicycles (Black Hills Trailside Park Resort)
From $75/half-day
E-bike rentals on the Mickelson Trail at the edge of Hill City: half day (4 hr) from $75, full day (8 hr) from $120, 2-day from $200, kid trailers $15–$25; step-through frames fit riders 5'1"–6'9". Trail pass ($5/day) not included.
Call ahead: Confirm season, daily hours, and waiver at 605-574-9079; 48-hour notice required for full refund.
Verified via source (2026-07-11)
Guided bike tours
Mickelson Trail All-Inclusive Bike Tour
Bubba's Pampered Pedalers · from $2,850
Five-day, six-night fully supported Mickelson Trail vacation based at Rock Crest Lodge in Custer — about 163 riding miles with shuttle support, all meals and lodging, plus a rest day for Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park.
Mickelson Trail Biking Day Tour
Black Hills Tour Company · 7h · from $240
Private full-day guided Mickelson Trail ride (18–32 miles, April–October) with Rapid City hotel pickup, bike, helmet, trail fee, and picnic lunch included; $240–$375 per person by group size, e-bike upgrade +$40.
Private Mickelson Trail Bicycling Tour
Black Hills Adventure Tours, Inc. · 5h · from $375
Private guided ride on a moderate 20-mile Mickelson Trail section through two rock tunnels and over a historic railroad bridge, with lunch, bikes, snacks, and area hotel/Airbnb pickup included (two-person minimum).
Where these are on the map Hill City
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